Chapter 67: chapter 67

In the vibrant city of Jaisalmer, where the scent of spices lingered in the air and the chaotic streets hummed with life, Riya found herself grappling with the echoes of a heartbreak. The impending wedding of Animesh and Sheetal cast shadows on her own memories, and the pain of lost love weighed heavily on her shoulders.~~~One evening, Riya sat in her apartment, contemplating the twists and turns life had taken. She felt an urge to reach out, to share the burden of her emotions with someone who understood the intricacies of her heart.Riya picked up her phone and dialed a familiar number, her finger hovering over the call button for a moment before she pressed it. The ringing on the other end seemed to stretch, building anticipation, until a familiar voice answered, "Hello?""Prakhar," Riya spoke, her voice tinged with a mix of sadness and vulnerability, "it's Riya."~~~Prakhar, thousands of miles away in the romantic city of Paris, where the Eiffel Tower stood as a testament to love, immediately recognized Riya's voice. "Riya! How have you been? It's been a while."Riya, her eyes misting with unshed tears, replied, "I... I needed someone to talk to. I hope I'm not disturbing you."Prakhar assured her, "Not at all, Riya. You can always count on me. What's on your mind?"As Riya poured out her heart, sharing the ache of lost love and the poignant details of Animesh's wedding, Prakhar listened attentively. He understood the depth of her emotions and the struggle to move forward.~~~Days turned into nights as Riya and Prakhar continued their late-night conversations across time zones. The city of Jaisalmer, with its ceaseless energy, faded into the background as Riya found solace in the distant connection with Prakhar.In one such conversation, Prakhar gently steered the dialogue towards a different perspective. "Riya, I understand how painful it is to lose someone you love. But life is about moving forward, isn't it? Have you considered the possibility of finding happiness in a new chapter?"Riya, her gaze fixed on the vast desert outside her window, replied, "I don't know if I can ever replace Animesh. He was my best friend, my confidant. Losing him feels like losing a part of myself."~~~Prakhar, his voice comforting, said, "I'm not suggesting you replace anyone, Riya. Each person is unique, and so are the connections we forge. What I'm saying is, life has a way of surprising us. Maybe there's someone out there who could bring a different kind of joy into your life."Riya pondered his words, the idea of a new beginning lingering in her thoughts. "It's just so hard to imagine anyone else. Animesh was special."Prakhar, ever the optimist, responded, "He was special, no doubt. But that doesn't mean you can't find happiness again. Sometimes, the unexpected turns out to be the most beautiful."~~~As weeks passed, Prakhar's words lingered in Riya's mind. She began to view her life through a different lens, contemplating the possibility of a new connection. The pain of the past slowly morphed into a quiet acceptance, and a flicker of hope sparked in her heart.In one of their conversations, Prakhar shared stories of his own experiences, the beauty of Paris, and the unpredictable nature of life, his failure to cook some delicacies and laugh on the disasters. Riya found herself drawn to the tales of love that transcended boundaries, and the resilience of the human spirit.One evening, as the cantonment lights of Jaisalmer twinkled below, Prakhar broached the subject gently. "Riya, have you ever thought about giving love another chance? Life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it."~~~Riya, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions, replied, "I don't know, Prakhar. It's hard to imagine being close to someone again. But I do miss having a deep connection, a companionship that goes beyond friendship."Prakhar, seizing the moment, said, "Maybe it's time to let the winds of change guide you, Riya. There might be someone out there waiting to create new memories with you, someone who can offer a different kind of love."Riya, despite the apprehension, felt a renewed sense of curiosity. "What if I'm not ready, Prakhar? What if I compare everyone to Animesh?"~~~Prakhar, his voice soft yet encouraging, responded, "That's only natural, Riya. Animesh was an integral part of your life. But remember, everyone brings something unique. Love has a way of unfolding unexpectedly, and sometimes, it's the surprises that become the most cherished."Riya, her heart a mix of vulnerability and newfound courage, whispered, "Maybe you're right, Prakhar. Maybe it's time to embrace the winds of change."~~~As the conversation drew to a close, Prakhar, ever the friend, offered words of comfort. "Take your time, Riya. Life is a journey, and each step, no matter how small, brings us closer to our destination. Who knows what wonders await you in the next chapter?"Riya, grateful for the friendship that spanned continents, sighed, "Thank you, Prakhar. You've been a good support. I'll keep your words in my heart."And so, in the Jaisalmer cantonment, amidst the cacophony of disciplined army life, Riya began to open herself to the possibility of a new chapter. This chapter was giving herself another chance, not to tread fast but very very slow, she had taken unnecessary time to figure out her emotions for Animesh, so long that the relationship died before it started. It was her fault, she realised that Animesh never got a signal of a special emotion, but rather just understood her feelings as that of a close friend, a Best friend was much more than a romantic friend for her. But unfortunately she took a long time to tell this to Animesh and he went far way.This time Riya didn't want to repeat the same mistake again, she liked Arjun and even Prakhar but her heart was beating only for one. She had to stay cautious to be sure and quick to confirm about this one hand she wanted to hold for the rest of her life.~~~~~